India coach Kirsten stresses team effort against Aussies

BANGALORE: India coach Gary Kirsten has sought to end the debate over the future of senior players in the team and called for a collective effort to drub Australia in the upcoming Test series.

Senior players in the side were put under intense scrutiny especially after they failed to perform during India's recent 2-1 Test defeat in Sri Lanka.

Although they were retained in the squad for the first two Tests against Australia, they have apparently been put on notice to perform or perish.

But Kirsten said it was not the time to discuss certain individuals as they face off against the world champions.

"We should move on from this junior vs senior debate. Instead of focusing on individuals who are picked to play for India, we need to focus on the team and get on with the Test series," Kirsten said here late on Friday.

"It is all about team effort because a big effort from just one or two players won't be adequate. We need a lot of guys to give some big performances," said the former South African opener.

Kirsten also felt that the team which handled the pressure better would come out triumphant in the gruelling four-Test series.

"The Australians have done their homework and in close situations, it will boil down to who is going to be the calmest.

"India has got the best record against Australia in recent times and we know what to do game-wise as well as mentally."

The South African did not attach much importance to Australia's less than stellar performance in the ongoing tour game against an Indian Board President's XI in Hyderabad.

"I am not looking at the Hyderabad game too closely because I know it will be a different Australian team that will walk in and play Test cricket.

"We have looked at the Australian side in terms of their strengths and weaknesses and we have also introspected about our team."

The Hyderabad game is the final warm-up for the Aussies before the first Test begins in Bangalore on Thursday.

The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.